Thanks to the University of Sussex's Staff Mobility scheme and remaining Erasmus+ funding pot, our Comms and Engagement Officer Juliet Richardson represented Sussex and SSRP at the 14th International Staff Training Week at the University of Göttingen, Germany, by actively participating in the 4-day programme to learn more about this year’s conference theme and vital topic 'ReSPECt - Reinforce Sustainability in Partnerships and Exchanges to reduce Climate Impacts'. From discussing the pros and cons of Internationalisation, familiarising herself with the ten principles on 'How to run a sustainability science research group sustainably?‘, and learning what technologies and methods could support sustainable mobilities amongst students and staff, to sharing sustainability best practice, net zero strategies as well as opportunities and challenges in European HEI as a result of climate change. Another part of the week was presenting sustainability best practice in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and giving an overview of the mission and aims of the Sussex Sustainability Research Programme (SSRP) in delivering ‘Science for the SDGs‘.

A visit to 'Forum Wissen', the new knowledge museum of the University of Göttingen which focuses on how knowledge is created and reproduced in historical debates, latest discoveries and current research, nicely wrapped up the trip. 

Juliet said: "I was lucky enough that our Erasmus+ coordination team at Sussex was very helpful in letting me carry over funds between the subsistence and travel pot in order to finance more sustainable means of transport. I am super grateful as this meant I was able to travel to this sustainability-focussed Staff Training Week by train. Overall, it was a really valuable experience which, despite Brexit, I am hoping will strengthen the partnership between the University of Sussex, University of Göttingen and Higher Education institutions also participating in Erasmus+."